Frost Burned (A Natsu x Gray fanfic)

Storm

The woods were eerily silent as Natsu and Gray wound their way through neglected pathways and overgrown trails. Storm clouds roiled overhead. Natsu had been skeptical of the magic council's information of where Dorobo was supposed to be. He didn't trust that little white haired Oracle, but from what he had heard of the dark mage, this seemed like the sort of place he would hide.

He stole elemental abilities; water, fire, air, earth, and aspects of these elements, like ice and iron. Surrounded by trees and rocky formations, lightning flashing in the sky, the earth was truly reigning here. After picking their way through some fairly dense brush, Natsu was glad when they came onto relatively open ground. The fire mage had been nervous about heading out today. He didn't fear his enemy, but the awkward silent trip ahead of him.

When they got underway, everything went quiet. They glanced at each other often, communicating silently in the way soldiers can. There was danger here. Both could sense it. Natsu's ears reached out into the forest, eyes scanning through the trees. He moved in front of Gray, trying to scent what lay ahead. Gray followed after him, checking behind them, making sure nothing took them by surprise.

There were no animals, not even birds flying overhead. The only sounds were of leaves rustling underfoot as they crept forward and the crash of thunder overhead. Natsu sniffed hard, then crouched down and waited for Gray to reach him.

"I smell him up there. Has to be him. It smells like... like everything. My nose is useless now, but he's close." Natsu spoke fast and low.

"Just him?"

"I think so."

"Okay then. Just like we planned." Gray would play defense and distraction, throwing long ranged attacks. Natsu would hit hard and dirty up close, his specialty. Dorobo only killed mages by taking abilities, and only elements. The few mages who had watched their friends die at his hands had told the council about his magic. He always attacked with the element opposite his opponent. His regular attacks were not very strong, but he was fast and agile. To observers, it seemed like he was toying with his enemies before throwing his finishing spell, Nottoru.

The Nottoru was not as fast as some of his other spells, but could change direction and follow the target. It busted through shields and wards and magic circles. Never had Nottoru been cast and a life not been lost. There were no misfires. The few witnesses described the stance Dorobo took when readying the spell. It was the same each time. Natsu would be ready.

Gray nodded seriously.

"Okay. Let's go." The ice mage went to crest the hill. Natsu put a hand on his chest to stay him.

"Gray, wait."

"What is it?" Gray met Natsu's eyes. The Dragonslayer looked more serious than Gray had ever seen him. He kept his hand on his chest and furrowed his brow before speaking.

"Be careful." Gray mirrored the expression of worry. Natsu was waiting for a response. A burst of thunder exploded through sky. Ominous. Threatening.

"You too."

Natsu nodded, and worry transformed into sharp focus. Together they climbed over the rise.

They stopped atop the hill. Dorobo stood in the clearing, obviously waiting for them. He wore long green robes with a tangle of medallions at his neck. Natsu's dragon whispered to him as he glanced at the largest one. Necromancer. He narrowed his gaze. Dorobo had bright green eyes that seemed to glow with a light of their own. His long black hair was streaked with gray, but his face looked young, ageless. In his hand was a large wooden staff with an opalescent lacrima on one end. He smiled at them, and without thinking Natsu found himself stepping in front of Gray and growling. Dorobo's smile grew larger, a cat with mice in hand.